Abstract
Since ancient times, humans learned that some herbs prevent or even heal various medical conditions, regarding the fact they are a valuable source of bioactive substances that contribute to a good health state. The use of medicinal plants takes causion because some species contain several toxic metabolites, as well. Among the phytotherapeutic herbs, a well-known plant is Ricinus communis L. The extracts from the various vegetative organs have many medicinal effects, whereas the castor beans (the seeds) are considered harmful to the human health. They contain a natural toxin, named ricin, that may cause severe or even lethal effects if it reaches inside a human or animal living organism. This scientific contribution is based on relevant published literature in this field. The paper aims to enhance both aspects in Ricinus communis L.: its importance as a medicinal species, and the danger it represents due to the high toxicity of its seeds’ ricin. People should be aware of the antagonistic effects of this plant, mainly in this specific context, in which herbs and their seeds are increasingly used for therapeutic purposes or as a dietary source of natural fats, proteins, fibers, vitamins, minerals, and other biologically active substances.